What is Hot & What is Not!
How is your social media looking? Here’s what’s trending and what’s on its way out…
What’s In
AI Integration
According to Hootsuite’s Social Trends 2024 Survey, AI usage in image editing is predicted to see a remarkable 260% increase, signaling a major shift in how brands approach content creation. This year, brands that harness AI tools effectively will have a distinct edge in producing high-quality, eye-catching content. From streamlining the design process to personalising user experiences, mastering AI isn’t just a trend - it’s quickly becoming an essential skill for staying competitive in the fast-paced world of social media marketing. Those who leverage it early will be better positioned to capture attention and drive engagement.
YouTube Marketing
YouTube is carving out its niche as both a social platform and the second-largest search engine. With YouTube Shorts seeing over 50 billion daily views, its growth is undeniable. Unlike TikTok, YouTube carries fewer concerns over data privacy, making it an increasingly attractive platform for marketers.
SEO on Social Media
SEO isn’t just for Google anymore. In fact, almost 40% of Gen Z now turn to platforms like TikTok and Instagram for search, according to Business Insider. This shift means brands need to rethink how they optimise their content across social channels. It’s no longer just about catchy captions or engaging visuals; integrating relevant keywords into your social media posts is now critical for boosting content visibility. By aligning with the way younger audiences search for information, brands can ensure they’re more discoverable and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
Micro-Influencers
The rise of the 'de-influencer' movement has brought authenticity back to the forefront of social media marketing. As audiences grow weary of overly polished, inauthentic endorsements, they are turning to more genuine voices. This shift has propelled micro-influencers - those with follower counts between 10k and 100k - into the spotlight. These influencers are seen as more relatable and trustworthy, fostering strong, loyal communities around their content. In 2024, micro-influencers are becoming key players in the influencer landscape, as their ability to drive higher engagement and build meaningful connections with their audiences makes them a valuable asset for brands seeking deeper, more authentic interactions.
What’s Out
Inauthentic, Overly Promotional Ads
Over-produced, heavily scripted ads are rapidly falling out of favour with social media audiences. People crave more authentic, relatable content that feels personal and genuine. This is where the "facetime" style comes in, where influencers speak directly to their audience in a casual, conversational tone, almost like they’re chatting with a friend on a video call. This approach creates a sense of intimacy and trust, making the content feel less like a hard sell and more like a personal recommendation. Influencers who truly understand their audience should embrace this trend, creating content that feels natural and unscripted. Authenticity not only resonates more with followers but also encourages higher engagement and helps build long-term loyalty to both the influencer and the brands they represent.
Hashtag Overload
Too many hashtags can hurt more than help, especially on platforms like Instagram where overuse can make posts appear cluttered or inauthentic. Instagram’s own research has shown that using too many hashtags can actually reduce engagement. Instead, the platform recommends focusing on a select few—ideally 3 to 5—relevant hashtags that resonate with your audience and reflect your brand’s message.